The number of clinical trials in Latin American countries has increased substantially. Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Peru offer many advantages to the industry. For example, they offer a large number of untapped research subjects, a capable work force, well-functioning health systems and reduced costs. There is ample value in conducting clinical trials in Latin America. The first and most important step to develop successful clinical trials in Latin America is to understand and recognize countries’ individual regulations.

Conducting clinical trials in low health resourced countries poses real challenges when determining the differences between healthcare and clinical development. Regulators are increasingly concerned about dual ethics standards when conducting trials in developing countries. One example has been the oncology setting in which the standard care in control groups for several lung cancer trials offers much better care than those offered by public health systems throughout Latin America. Although clinical trial settings are separated from healthcare in most developed countries with clinical research activities, in Latin America these settings live side by side.

Attendees will:

Examine where the tipping point lies between providing healthcare and conducting clinical research

Identify the major regulatory and health policy players involved in Latin American clinical trials and the roles they play

Using Internal and External Resources
to Develop Efficient Site Selection
Teams

Oscar Garcia, Dir. Clinical Research,
Sanofi-Aventis

Choosing which sites will enroll the required number of patients on time and on budget is crucial to the success of clinical trials. Sponsors need to build teams of varied skill sets that can properly vet and select trial sites. Drawing the required talents from multiple departments is important to assure all study requirements are met. Once sites are selecte comprehensive planning strategies are necessary to assure sites are functioning according to study protocols and regulatory guidelines.

Attendees will:

Discover the roles and responsibilities of each person who is part of the site selection team and what key success factors and performance indicators measure success

Opportunities for collaboration with other organizations for strategic site-allocation planning

Developing strategies for selection, training and improvement through metrics according to productivity, quality and compliance

Clinical trial sites in Latin America present challenges related to the cultures, languages and previous or lack of experience with clinical research. The most important piece of appropriate site selection, laboratories and couriers is to understand key strategies that produce high-quality and trustworthy clinical research results.

Attendees will:

Understand regional challenges and differences in working with translations and validation of documents and understand the requirements for both the importation and exportation processes

Learn to choose central labs and couriers depending on the amount of adequate resources to support different languages and requirements, timelines, services and their qualifications

Select appropriate sites and understand the importance of a thorough review by conducting site selection visits and reviewing both new and experienced sites

2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Break

SESSION 6: 3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Working With Investigators: Approaches to Strengthen the Sponsor-Investigator Relationship

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and regulatory authorities can be described as both exciting to work with and downright depressing. Building a productive relationship is paramount to successful Latin American clinical trials. Trial delays can take many forms, but putting in the work upfront with IRBs and regulatory bodies pays important dividends down the road.

Attendees will:

Discover the top three delays that affect
most trials

Uncover best practices to assure mutual respect exists between the sponsor, their representatives and IRBs